Lisa Baker Boeken

"Anna King has a talent - and a secret. Like the birth mother she never knew, Anna is gifted at sketching and longs to study and teach art one day. Unbeknownst to her beloved adoptive family, she's even entered a contest to win a full scholarship to art college. Sketching isn't a desirable vocation in her community, so Anna does her work in a remote spot by Pebble Creek and stores it in her beautiful hope chest. Only her family's farmhand, Jesse Beiler, knows her plans - and that's by accident ... The bishop's son, Jessie is surprised to discover Anna's contest entry form. He can't imagine wanting a life beyond having his own farm and raising a family. Still, he admires Anna's spirit and promises to keep her secret, despite their differences. Yet the better he and Anna get to know each other, the more they find their personalities - and their hearts - complement one another. With Gott's guidance, can they forge the futures they desire - together?"--Publisher description

The best-selling author of Never Unfriended opens up about midlife and what it feels like to have outgrown those teenage jeans, but finally grown into the shape of our souls.Do you ever wonder how you woke up one day with all the responsibilities of a grown-up who secretly enjoys going to Costco, can no longer recognize the tween celebrities on the magazines at checkout, but is still surprised when a Starbucks Barista calls you "ma'am"--because your inside self is frozen in time from about twenty years ago? So does Lisa-Jo Baker. Welcome to the middle!In these intimate reflections on midlife, Lisa-Jo Baker invites women to get a good look at their middles and gives permission to embrace them--beyond what the media, the mirror, the magazines, or our teenagers say. Through gutsy, beautiful storytelling, she admits out loud what most women are thinking about marriage, parenting, failure, and how badly we all want to buy those matching Magnolia Market mugs. Her delicious stories come from not being afraid of who she is (Your Age is Not a Dirty Word). Because she has finally grown comfortable in her own skin (The Scale is Not the Boss of You). She's not asking you to seize the day, just to make sure you actually see it; for all its wildly ordinary glory (Sobbing in my Minivan Over Honor Roll). Because Lisa-Jo knows that the middle might be the best part of the love story of life, muffin top included.

Inspirational author Lisa Jones Baker's heartwarming and beloved Hope Chest of Dreams series continues as a new generation blessed by treasured hand-carved chests that hold--and inspire--precious dreams. For Hannah Lapp, those dreams are the kind found in the escapist novels about the "Englisch" world she secretly writes. Fascinated by the different people she meets at her family's popular store for tourists in the Amish country, one such young man is about to make Hannah's dreams come true and turn her world upside down. Amish country girl Hannah Lapp lives for adventure--the kind found in favorite novels and the stories she secretly writes. And at her family's popular tourist store, she's fascinated by the different Englischers she meets. Especially when Marcus Jackson comes to town. She's sure there's more to the ex-city boy than his quiet, helpful ways, and she's curious to find out just what it is . . . Marcus fled Chicago before his brothers' life of crime ruined his future. He's not sure exactly why God's plan brought him to this quaint little town. Or why his growing friendship with the bubbly, inquisitive Hannah has him trusting her with his past. But when local stores are robbed and suspicion falls on Marcus, can he and Hannah come together to prove his innocence--and make their own happy-ever-after ending?

Engaging rhymes introduce readers to unique animals and instruments while offering a glossary for enhanced understanding. The book features interactive elements, including hidden images, making it both entertaining and educational, particularly for music enthusiasts.

Featuring a lively cast of animals, this rhythmically rhyming book invites young readers into a world of playful games such as dodgeball, tag, and spoons. As the second installment in an interactive series, it encourages engagement and movement, making it a fun and energetic read for children.

Little Gertrude is troubled by a mysterious illness she overheard her mother discussing at the salon, known as "Bang's Disease." Despite her limited understanding of adult conversations, her concern grows as she navigates her fears about this disease. The story captures the innocence of childhood and the misunderstandings that can arise from adult topics, exploring themes of curiosity and anxiety in a young girl's life.

The story follows Connor, a child who encounters mysterious noises in his home, leading him to imaginative conclusions, like thinking buzzing sounds are bees. This interactive rhyming book invites young readers to guess the source of the sounds alongside Connor, promoting engagement and creativity. It teaches children that not all unfamiliar sounds are frightening, fostering their imagination and curiosity in a fun and playful way.

The story revolves around Gertrude and her friends as they prepare for a special visitor at their school who is eager to learn about America. Their friendship vow becomes crucial in this context, highlighting themes of camaraderie and unity. As they navigate the challenges of representing their culture and values, the narrative explores the importance of friendship and the ways it shapes their identities in a diverse world.

Focusing on the joys of imaginative play, this children's book encourages kids to explore various animal characters and their adventures. It fosters creativity and engagement during playtime, making it relatable for young readers. Additionally, the interactive element of searching for a hidden symbol on each page adds an exciting challenge that enhances the reading experience.

Celebrating the unique bond between husbands and their partners, this book captures a range of emotions from joy to frustration. It highlights the memorable and often humorous moments shared in relationships, emphasizing the deep affection and connection that endure despite life's challenges. Through relatable anecdotes, it pays tribute to the special place husbands hold in their partners' hearts.